Are you interested in becoming a Transpersonal Psychologist who helps people with emotional, behavioral or mental health problems? Then, read this comprehensive guide that explains the entire process in detail and achieve your goal!

Should I Become a Transpersonal Psychologist?

Transpersonal psychology is actually a type of humanistic psychology that utilizes spiritual experiences as a mode of healing. Transpersonal psychologists have many duties that are common with other psychologists like, performing psychotherapy and doing research. To work as a licensed transpersonal psychologist and provide psychotherapy, you need to graduate with a doctoral degree in an area of Clinical, Counseling or Transpersonal Psychology.

Education Required A doctoral degree (A PhD/Psy.D.)
Major Requirement Clinical, Counseling or Transpersonal Psychology (or another related area)
License/Certification To be licensed is a requirement for all Psychologists in the US
Experience/Training 2 years of supervised work experience is mandatory for licensure
Key Skills Patience and Integrity; Communication, Analytical, Interpersonal, Organizational, Observational and Problem-solving Skills etc.
Annual Mean Salary (2019) –

National

$87,450 (for Clinical, Counseling, and Transpersonal Psychologists)
Job Outlook

(2018-2028)

14% (Faster than the average)

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2019)

Career Outlook for a Transpersonal Psychologist

In accordance with the data reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, a 14% employment growth for psychologists has been projected between 2018 and 2028. This rise in employment may differ depending on the career decisions you make and your location of practice. There were a total of 113,270 Clinical, Counseling and Transpersonal Psychologists employed all over the US in 2019.

Steps to Become a Transpersonal Psychologist

If you feel that this career is for you then, becoming a Transpersonal Psychologist is the correct option for you.

  1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
  2. Several universities in the US offer a 4-year bachelor’s degree in Psychology. For instance, the University of Mississippi, the University of Utah and the Tennessee State University offer a bachelor’s degree in Psychology.

  1. Get a Master’s Degree
  2. You may need to complete a 2-year master’s degree in Psychology depending upon your grades and the university you get admission in. Numerous universities offer this degree in the US like, the University of Illinois and the University of Utah etc.

  1. Acquire a Doctoral Degree
  2. All psychologists are required to graduate from a doctoral degree accredited by the APA/ASPPB. A typical doctoral degree may take 4-6 years to complete and is offered at universities. For example, the University of Utah, the University of Illinois and the Tennessee State University all offer a PhD degree in Psychology with many specializations.

  1. Complete 2 Years of Field Experience
  2. To become a licensed practitioner, all psychologists are required to gain 2 years of work experience under the direct supervision of a licensed psychologist.

  1. Obtain Licensure
  2. It is mandatory for all psychologists in the US to become licensed to practice. However, the requirements of licensure vary for each state. Generally, a license is given after the candidate clears all of the requirement exams mandated by the relevant state board.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Transpersonal Psychologist?

It may take you anywhere between 10 to 12 years (or may be more) for you to become a Transpersonal Psychologist in the US. However, the duration varies depending on the choices you make related to education and career.

What Are the Requirements to Become a Licensed Transpersonal Psychologist?

The licensure requirements for becoming a Transpersonal Psychologist vary for almost each state however, all psychologists must complete the following common requirements to obtain a license.

  • Graduate from an APA/ASPPB accredited doctoral degree in Psychology
  • Gain 2 years of supervised post-doctoral work experience under a licensed Transpersonal Psychologist
  • Pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)
  • Some states also ask for a background check to establish the moral character of applicants
  • A few states require candidates to ask for board’s permission to take the Jurisprudence Exam or another related exam and pass the relevant exam to obtain a license

 

For detailed license requirements of a particular state, please visit the official state website.

How Much Can I Make as a Transpersonal Psychologist?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported $87,450 as the annual mean salary of all Clinical, Counseling, and Transpersonal Psychologists in 2019. Whereas, Oregon, with an annual mean salary of $112,010, was listed as the top paying state for this occupation.